Summary: Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation is a proclamation made by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862. In this powerful speech, Lincoln declares all enslaved persons in the United States free. Lincoln states that the United States' government will enforce and protect the freedom of these people. However, Lincoln also recognizes that by freeing these enslaved people, many states would respond by rebelling against the United States. Lincoln, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Navy believes that it is necessary to stop the rebellion. Lincoln encourages all newly freed people to refrain from violence and to work honestly for their wages. He promises them that they will be recognized by the American military, and will be allowed to join the Armed Forces.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
LAD #16
Summary: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is not nearly as lengthy as his first. Lincoln recognizes in his speech that the major issues he needed to inform them of were made in his first Inaugural Address. This first Inaugural Address informed the nation of the policies he would enforce if Civil War were to arise and also assured the American people that under his presidency none of their rights would be taken away. Lincoln told the people that he would do everything he could in order to keep the Union together. During his second Inaugural Address, Civil War is currently going on and Lincoln addresses that although both sides, pro slavery and anti slavery have prayed for the issue to be addressed their way before a Civil War could break out, neither of their prayers have been answered. Civil War was inevitable, and ultimately the only way the slavery issue could be resolved once and for all.
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is not nearly as lengthy as his first. Lincoln recognizes in his speech that the major issues he needed to inform them of were made in his first Inaugural Address. This first Inaugural Address informed the nation of the policies he would enforce if Civil War were to arise and also assured the American people that under his presidency none of their rights would be taken away. Lincoln told the people that he would do everything he could in order to keep the Union together. During his second Inaugural Address, Civil War is currently going on and Lincoln addresses that although both sides, pro slavery and anti slavery have prayed for the issue to be addressed their way before a Civil War could break out, neither of their prayers have been answered. Civil War was inevitable, and ultimately the only way the slavery issue could be resolved once and for all.
Monday, November 17, 2008
LAD #15
Summary: The Supreme Court's Decision re: Dred Scott Case
The Dred Scott case created a huge controversy at the beginning of James Buchanan's presidency regarding slavery. Dred Scott had been a slave to a man named Emerson. However, they were living in free territory. Scott believed that because he had been living in free territory for a number of years, he had the right to be a free man. He took this case to court, but Chief Justice Taney ruled against Scott. Taney said that Scott could not possibly win the case because he did not even have the right to take the case to court, because blacks were not considered to be United States citizens. Taney also stated that because Scott was the property of Emerson, it did not matter that the Missouri Compromise divided the country into free states and slave states; property could not be taken away from its owner. This decision led the Missouri Compromise to no longer be in effect because it contradicted the Compromise. The Dred Scott case was a blow to many abolitionists who thought they were making headway. It reversed many of the policies they had previously instiuted in order to make strides toward establishing a free country. Many Republicans were also angered by the decision although they eventually gained from it when moderates became Republicans because of Taney's statement. Democrats were generally split; those in the South were in favor of the decision while those in the North were against it.
The Dred Scott case created a huge controversy at the beginning of James Buchanan's presidency regarding slavery. Dred Scott had been a slave to a man named Emerson. However, they were living in free territory. Scott believed that because he had been living in free territory for a number of years, he had the right to be a free man. He took this case to court, but Chief Justice Taney ruled against Scott. Taney said that Scott could not possibly win the case because he did not even have the right to take the case to court, because blacks were not considered to be United States citizens. Taney also stated that because Scott was the property of Emerson, it did not matter that the Missouri Compromise divided the country into free states and slave states; property could not be taken away from its owner. This decision led the Missouri Compromise to no longer be in effect because it contradicted the Compromise. The Dred Scott case was a blow to many abolitionists who thought they were making headway. It reversed many of the policies they had previously instiuted in order to make strides toward establishing a free country. Many Republicans were also angered by the decision although they eventually gained from it when moderates became Republicans because of Taney's statement. Democrats were generally split; those in the South were in favor of the decision while those in the North were against it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
LAD #14
Summary: Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address is a statement addressing all of the American soldiers who have so far died in the Civil War. This document is meant to inspire the American people to not let these soldiers die in vain; everyone must do everything they can in order to hold the Union together. The Civil War is testing exactly how far American democracy can go, but the Gettysburg Address gives a vote of confidence, it says that America has the will, the determination, and the power to remain an intact Union that honors its Constiution and its people.
The Gettysburg Address is a statement addressing all of the American soldiers who have so far died in the Civil War. This document is meant to inspire the American people to not let these soldiers die in vain; everyone must do everything they can in order to hold the Union together. The Civil War is testing exactly how far American democracy can go, but the Gettysburg Address gives a vote of confidence, it says that America has the will, the determination, and the power to remain an intact Union that honors its Constiution and its people.
LAD #13
Summary: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
Lincoln's first inaugural address is a very powerful speech that Lincoln gave to show America how necessary it was to remain a Union despite disagreements over slavery. Lincoln addressed that although the country was virtually split in half; those for slavery on one side and those against it on the other, the Union should be strong enough in order to prevail. Lincoln mentioned that it was physically impossible for the Union to separate, so being separate nations would be very difficult. Lincoln stresses in his Inaugural Address that whether or not the country goes to Civil War is up to the people, not to him. Lincoln believes that as long as no Constitutional principles are broken, the Union will remain perpetual. He also assures the American people that while he is President, their property, peace, and security will in no way be endangered or harmed. Generally, Lincoln sets the stage in his Inaugural Address for his Presidency and gives the nation a glimpse of the just leadership he will enforce.
Lincoln's first inaugural address is a very powerful speech that Lincoln gave to show America how necessary it was to remain a Union despite disagreements over slavery. Lincoln addressed that although the country was virtually split in half; those for slavery on one side and those against it on the other, the Union should be strong enough in order to prevail. Lincoln mentioned that it was physically impossible for the Union to separate, so being separate nations would be very difficult. Lincoln stresses in his Inaugural Address that whether or not the country goes to Civil War is up to the people, not to him. Lincoln believes that as long as no Constitutional principles are broken, the Union will remain perpetual. He also assures the American people that while he is President, their property, peace, and security will in no way be endangered or harmed. Generally, Lincoln sets the stage in his Inaugural Address for his Presidency and gives the nation a glimpse of the just leadership he will enforce.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
LAD #12
The Clay Compromise Measures
In the Clay Compromise Measures, John C Calhoun discusses how slavery has become an enormous nationwide problem that has been ignored for too long. Calhoun says that he is unsure how the Union can remain intact while trying to solve the slavery issue. Half the nation firmly supports slavery while the other half is strongly against slavery. Calhoun says that one of the reasons the slavery issue was never addressed was because if it had been addressed, the equilibrium of the United States would be thrown off, disrupting the country. This equilibrium is very important in order to maintain a successful, peaceful country. However, the slavery issue can no longer be ignored, and it is essential to look past equilibrium in doing what is right for the country.
In the Clay Compromise Measures, John C Calhoun discusses how slavery has become an enormous nationwide problem that has been ignored for too long. Calhoun says that he is unsure how the Union can remain intact while trying to solve the slavery issue. Half the nation firmly supports slavery while the other half is strongly against slavery. Calhoun says that one of the reasons the slavery issue was never addressed was because if it had been addressed, the equilibrium of the United States would be thrown off, disrupting the country. This equilibrium is very important in order to maintain a successful, peaceful country. However, the slavery issue can no longer be ignored, and it is essential to look past equilibrium in doing what is right for the country.
LAD #11
Polk's War Message
Polk's War Message is an explanation to the House of Representatives and the Senate of why the United States is going to war with Mexico. According to Polk, the United States has done nothing but encourage peaceful relations with Mexico. However, Mexico acted aggressively to the United States by invading America and shedding American blood. Mexico was aggressive toward the United States because Texas, an independent nation, wanted to become a part of the United States. Although Texas was technically independent, Mexico believed the United States was taking a part of Mexico's territory when Texas became a part of America. Mexico did not follow treaties it was supposed to follow. Because Mexico unrighteously invaded the United States, the United States' only possible appropriate response was to declare war on Mexico.
Polk's War Message is an explanation to the House of Representatives and the Senate of why the United States is going to war with Mexico. According to Polk, the United States has done nothing but encourage peaceful relations with Mexico. However, Mexico acted aggressively to the United States by invading America and shedding American blood. Mexico was aggressive toward the United States because Texas, an independent nation, wanted to become a part of the United States. Although Texas was technically independent, Mexico believed the United States was taking a part of Mexico's territory when Texas became a part of America. Mexico did not follow treaties it was supposed to follow. Because Mexico unrighteously invaded the United States, the United States' only possible appropriate response was to declare war on Mexico.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
LAD #10
Summary: The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
The Declaration of Sentiments is similar to the Declaration of Independence. However, the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances that Americans have against Great Britain while the Declaration of Sentiments is a list of grievances between men and women. American women feel it is unfair that the Declaration of Independence so adamantly proclaims that everyone deserves equal rights when women are so clearly not treated equally to men. The position of women to men is one of subordination, where men are basically given the right to treat women as property. The Declaration of Sentiments declares that the way women are treated is wrong, and that they should be treated with more respect and given more of a voice.
The Declaration of Sentiments is similar to the Declaration of Independence. However, the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances that Americans have against Great Britain while the Declaration of Sentiments is a list of grievances between men and women. American women feel it is unfair that the Declaration of Independence so adamantly proclaims that everyone deserves equal rights when women are so clearly not treated equally to men. The position of women to men is one of subordination, where men are basically given the right to treat women as property. The Declaration of Sentiments declares that the way women are treated is wrong, and that they should be treated with more respect and given more of a voice.
LAD #9
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine is a statement by President James Monroe directed towards European nations. The Monroe Doctrine makes clear that European powers could no longer attempt to colonize any of the states or territories of the United States. In the Doctrine, Monroe recognizes that many European powers already have established colonies in the United States. Monroe promises he will not interfere with these established colonies. However, if any European country attempts to interfere with or colonize any states, the United States would view their actions as a sign of aggression and take measures to stop their attempts.
The Monroe Doctrine is a statement by President James Monroe directed towards European nations. The Monroe Doctrine makes clear that European powers could no longer attempt to colonize any of the states or territories of the United States. In the Doctrine, Monroe recognizes that many European powers already have established colonies in the United States. Monroe promises he will not interfere with these established colonies. However, if any European country attempts to interfere with or colonize any states, the United States would view their actions as a sign of aggression and take measures to stop their attempts.
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